Floor Tile Slip Resistance
THE TILE SOURCE
Guide to Slip Resistance
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The slip resistance of a floor tile should be considered if it is to be used in wet areas, is likely to be subject to contamination or used on slopes and ramps. Consider the area the tiles are to be used in, for example, shower bases will require greater slip resistance than a hallway and a commercial kitchen will require more slip resistance than a hotel foyer.
A greater degree of slip resistance may be required if the users of the floor are elderly or disabled. As a general rule the more slip resistant a tile is the harder it will be to maintain and clean. It is therefore important to choose a tile that has the appropriate slip resistant characteristics for the use intended. Do not over specify or you could end up with a surface that is hard to clean. Unfortunately there are three different European standards for assessing the slip resistance of floor tiles and manufacturers often use different tests or just parts of test! Below are listed all the standard European tests, however The Tile Source only publishes results from the Inclined Ramp Test. 
In this test a tiled ramp is lubricated and gradually inclined to find the slipping angle of the tile. The subject wears shoes with a standardised rubber sole. As an additional test some manufacturers also uses this test but the subject is barefoot.
The Inclined Ramp Test is The Tile Source's preferred test result. Before selecting a tile based on it's slip resistance characteristics the following points should be noted: 1. No tile is slip proof. 2. Floors should be kept as clean and dry as possible. A highly slip resistant floor that is allowed to become dirty or contaminated can become a slip hazard. 3. Contamination or dirt on the soles of shoes or feet can be a slip hazard. 4. Where necessary install hand rails (for example on ramps). |
As general guidance The Tile Source considers the following classifications of slip resistance for level domestic installations as acceptable:
Mosaics generally have enhanced levels of slip resistance for barefoot traffic due to the grout joint tread pattern, however they are rarely tested! For commercial projects please call us and we will work with the manufacturer to provide a complete specification or check out Vitra's suggested slip resistance rating for different commercial uses. 
A rubber-shod sled is pulled across the floor and the force required to pull the sled is measured to give a slip resistance value. The tile is tested both wet & dry giving two sets of figures. The greater the value, the better the slip resistance, a value greater than 0.4 is generally recommended where enhanced slip resistance is required.
Pendulum Test: This test uses a swinging arm with a rubber foot and the deceleration of the arm is measured as it skids across the tiled surface. This test is also conducted wet or dry again the higher the value the better the slip resistance, A value greater than 40 is regarded as satisfactory. 
Where manufactures provide test data we include this information either in store or in the product section on our web site. Maintenance Maintaining the floor is just as important as the tile selection. Dirt and grease can severely impair the slip resistance of the floor. Some excellent care products are available from Lithofin and Hagesan. New Technologies are also being developed to prevent dirt and grease sticking to slip resistant tiles thereby reducing the amount of maintenance and chemicals that need to be used (stocks of these exciting new products will be available soon). Slip Resistant Treatments There are many slip resistant treatments available, some put a coating on the surface which will require regular reapplication. Others work by acid etching the tile surface. This type is not generally approved by tile manufactures and may invalidate its warranty. |
For further advice on slip resistance, ring us now!
